The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is committed to bolstering support for professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs), who now represent nearly half of its membership. During a pre-May Day media session on April 25, secretary-general Ng Chee Meng emphasized the importance of educating PMEs about the union’s role in representing all workers, regardless of their occupational level. He expressed a desire to shift the perception that NTUC primarily serves blue-collar workers, stating, “NTUC is for all collars.”

Ng highlighted that NTUC has made significant strides in supporting PMEs, urging more individuals in this group to join the labor movement to reap the benefits of union membership. Although he noted that NTUC does not have a specific membership target for PMEs, he confirmed that they currently account for about 45% of NTUC’s members, which is comparable to the national proportion of PMEs at 42%.

To better serve PMEs, Ng outlined several initiatives in line with the recommendations of the PME taskforce, which was established in partnership with the Singapore National Employers Federation. One major area of focus is workplace fairness, where NTUC aims to improve HR standards and practices by certifying 12,000 HR professionals by 2025. As of now, over 9,000 professionals have already been certified, contributing to a higher standard of workplace practices.

In addition to promoting workplace fairness, NTUC also provides representation for PMEs. Ng noted that PMEs constitute approximately 40% of the cases handled by the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management. The highest recovery settlement recorded for a PME dispute since 2021 was S$68,000, illustrating the union’s commitment to protecting its members’ rights and interests.

Another key area of support for PMEs is career progression and wage enhancement. The introduction of Company Training Committees (CTCs), along with associated grants, has proven beneficial. Since the announcement of the CTC grant in Budget 2022, 727 PMEs from 61 companies have experienced an average wage increase of 5% in addition to their annual increments, alongside the development of personalized career plans.

Finally, NTUC is also focused on helping PMEs navigate career changes and job placements. The recent opening of its first career center in the central business district aims to assist professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) in enhancing their employability. Nearly 90% of the walk-ins at the center have been PMETs, half of whom earn over S$8,000 per month. Ng mentioned that high-level professionals, including an equity adviser and a chief operating officer, have sought support for career transitions.

Ng acknowledged that PMEs will face various transitions as the Singapore economy evolves. He expressed optimism about new opportunities arising from technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), which could both complement and displace workers. With growing concerns over the impact of AI on employment, NTUC is closely monitoring developments and potential disruptions in the job market, aiming to prepare its members for the challenges ahead.